Earlier this year, the Department of Education was looking into making changes to P.S. 122 in Astoria, but after rallies and protests Chancellor Dennis Walcott agreed not to move forward with any changes.

The test scores prove that the faculty, staff and parents are doing something right.

The average test score of students in New York City was 29.6 percent at or above proficient in math and 26.5 percent at or above proficient in English Language Arts (ELA), with state scores averaging 31 percent in math and 31.1 in ELA.

The students of P.S. 122 scored 71 percent at or above proficient in math and 69.7 percent at or above proficient in ELA.

“It’s ironic that the city wanted to make major changes at this school a few months ago, and now these kids have blown away the city averages,” said Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. “These scores are a testament to the teachers students and parents, and they prove that the program at P.S. 122 needs to be mirrored in schools across the city.”

Vallone presented the students, teachers and Principal Pamela Sabel with a City Council Citation in recognition of the school’s achievement.

“Everyone works very hard,” said Sabel. “We always have the highest expectations for our students and set high goals.”

Sabel said success at the school begins with its robust curriculum.

“A quality education is a well-rounded education,” she said. “It’s not all about test preparation.”